All posts filed under: Icons & Influencers

The Mod Closet has been in hibernation for a couple of months, enjoying some serious duvet time …actually, getting on with the business of real life (boo!). But, we’re back and ready for the new year! It may not be warm enough to wake up the scooters just yet but, it is definitely time to shake off the winter blues with some serious soulful sounds and talc-dusted dance floors! February’s Icon & Influencer will be no stranger to the Oxford (and surrounding counties) soulies, mods, scooterists & skinheads: Rachel Yarwood is the co-founder/organiser of Oxford’s Let’s Dance that, until very recently was hosted in Cowley, Oxford. Thanks to Rachel, I get to enjoy some great nights, amazing sounds and an opportunity to catch up with friends on the dance floor in my very own home town. I also get to enrich my woefully inadequate music collection (and knowledge) because, at every event, included in the minimal entrance fee is a CD (subject to availability). The CD contains a compilation of the night’s playlist from the guest DJs. Our scene is driven …

If you ask me what Mod means to me, then I’m with Penny! To paraphrase: Mod gives me a wardrobe full of head-turning, confidence-inspiring pieces, and music to lift my soul and move my feet. It gives me a scooter for fun and freedom, and a community to share it all with. Mod is my dear friend. “Mod is my near and dear friend” …and, if you’re asking me what Mod sounds like? Well, it sounds like Penny. I mean, quite literally it sounds like Penny! DJ Penny Lane is the velvet voiced, talented broadcaster of the Mod airwaves, and Penny has been the inspiration behind many of my Mod adventures, including this Icons & Influencers series. Hearing Penny & Warren Peace interview Gill Evans made me reach out to the Original Mod, who I am now able to call my friend. This, in turn lead to me meeting Margot McClane and many other adventures in between (you can read more about Gill & Margot in previous Icons & Influencers posts). Penny is also the voice of my Mod Closet. …

By far one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things about being active in a scene and on social media is the social aspect. Some friends, by virtue of distance or circumstance remain ‘virtual’ until such time that you find yourself at the same event. Claire Mahoney, journalist, broadcaster & Mod is one of those friends. Being a writing ‘enthusiast’, Claire (as the professional) is an inspiration to me. In fact, if you’re in the Mod or Scooter scene yourself and haven’t heard of Claire, then shame on you! Claire isn’t just an active member of the Mod scene, as a journalist and broadcaster she is an influential promoter of the scene. An obvious choice for The Mod Closet’s Icons & Influencers series, I was absolutely delighted when Claire agreed to put virtual pen to paper and tell us a bit about herself. Claire also gave us a sneak peak into her Mod Closet to show us her favourite outfit, which you can see here! Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live? …

When was the last time you joined a gang? Ok, maybe not a gang but a club or team? A well established one? It’s a bit daunting isn’t it? You hope you’re going to be welcomed on arrival; you torment yourself with the thought What if no one speaks to me? and ask yourself Why, exactly am I doing this? Well, Serena is the main reason my first scooter meet was the best possible experience it could’ve been. Last year, having just gained my motorbike license and, finally being able to ride my scooter (Beryl’s engine is too big for a CBT), George and I went on our first scooter meet. One sunny Sunday afternoon we headed north and rode a whole 4.3 miles up the road to Sturdy’s Castle in Kidlington. This wasn’t just my first scooter meet, it was my first time riding two wheels on a proper road, with other road users and everything! My first rookie mistake: I dressed to impress rather than appropriately and for safety; I haven’t made that mistake again! By the …

If you are, or have ever been active in the Mod scene you will have heard of Gill Evans Catling. Gill and her late husband Del Evans were original Mods back in the sixties, having already coined the pre-Mod term Continentalists in the late 50s. Always stylish & polished, Gill is a walking master-class of Mod style; a beacon of feminine tailoring and a true Icon of Mod. I heard Gill being interviewed on the radio in 2013/14 (one of many TV, radio and print interviews she’s done) and I had the pleasure of meeting her last year at Moda in Wolverhampton. When you meet Gill it’s easy to see why she is so often approached for interviews. Not only is she one of our greatest Mod historians, she is a warm, open and generous raconteur. It was my very great privilege to visit Gill in her home and immerse myself in her life for a day. We hung out in her workshop (oh that sample rail!) chatted about life and style, and then I was given a sneak preview …

Connecting with people who share a common interest is a joyful and enriching experience. By far one of my favourite things, about being part of the Mod and Scooter scenes, are the people I have met and the friends I have made. The Mod Closet’s Icons & Influencers series aims to celebrate women in the Mod and Scooter (and related) scenes. Over the next twelve months I will be talking to twelve wonderful women, who have agreed to share their stories and experiences with us. These are the real people, like you and I, who shape the scene by being active in it. They are The Scene! I am delighted to be able to kick off the Mod Closet’s Icons & Influencers series by introducing you to the stunning Margo McClane… …Margot and I met on Facebook. George bought a number of items from Margot’s online store, The Psychedelic Lounge; we exchanged friend requests and, were finally able to meet in person at the MODA Mod event in Wolverhampton last year. Margot always looks fabulous! This is a conversation …